ST. LOUIS, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — An affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. and Kellwood today announced an agreement to acquire Amsterdam-based fashion brand Scotch & Soda. According to Michael Kramer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kellwood, the deal is expected to close in August 2011 upon regulatory approval. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. The Scotch & Soda founders and management team will continue in their respective roles.

Scotch & Soda aims to create effortless, stylish, and universally appealing fashion. Scotch & Soda designs have become known for their unique variety of colors and fabrics, intricate details, and trendy, vintage vibe. Originating in the 1980s as a menswear label, Scotch & Soda has pushed toward a fresh, new creative direction. Over the last 10 years, the Company has expanded to include a women’s collection called Maison Scotch, a boy’s collection called Scotch Shrunk, a girl’s collection called Scotch R’Belle, and Scotch & Soda’s most recent, and possibly most ambitious, venture to date – Amsterdams Blauw, a high profile denim collection.

Scotch & Soda designs are sold in over 30 company-owned and franchised retail stores worldwide and in more than 7,000 partnership accounts. The brand has strengthened its online presence through its integrated web store, blog, and social media outlets.

“Scotch & Soda is one of the coolest, most sought after brands today, and I couldn’t be more excited to have them partner with the Kellwood team,” Kramer commented. “It has achieved tremendous success internationally and has enormous potential for growth in the U.S. market. With Kellwood’s resources, we can’t wait to see the brand get to the next level.”

Atlas Advisors acted as lead financial advisor to Scotch & Soda in concert with Marvin Traub Associates acting as strategic advisor with additional financial advice from Boer & Croon. Allen & Overy served as legal advisors.

ABOUT KELLWOOD

Kellwood designs, manufactures, and markets a growing collection of premier fashion brands across a broad range of consumer lifestyles including Vince, ADAM, Rebecca Taylor, BLK DNM, Baby Phat, Phat Farm, Sag Harbor, Briggs NY, Jolt, and My Michelle, as well as licensed brands XOXO and David Meister. Kellwood operates retail stores and e-commerce sites for Vince, ADAM, Rebecca Taylor and BLK DNM, as well as the e-commerce store for David Meister. Kellwood is an affiliated portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

ABOUT SUN CAPITAL PARTNERS, INC.

Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in companies that can benefit from its in–house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in more than 265 companies worldwide with combined sales in excess of $40 billion since Sun Capital’s inception in 1995. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as affiliates in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Shanghai and Shenzhen. For more information, please visit www.SunCapPart.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Haggerty, Senior Manager Public Relations, 310.595.1099 or Erin.Haggerty@Kellwood.com

SOURCE Kellwood